It’s all about power as Porsche unveils its latest Cayenne Turbo E

Electric range hits new heights while Skoda Kodiaq and Superb get upgrade

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid plug-in can go from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds

One of the new Skoda interiors

Porsche has just unveiled its most powerful SUV of all time. The range-topping Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid plug-in develops a whopping 739 PS.

And the brand has upgraded technology to significantly improve electric range and performance.

The 130 kW (176 PS) electric motor and the revised 599 PS (441 kW) 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 deliver the combined power output of 739 PS. And there is 950Nm of torque (pulling power) – a phenomenal level.

The new SUV can go from zero to 100kph in just 3.7 seconds. An increased capacity 25.9 kWh high-voltage battery, stored beneath the load compartment floor, permits an electric range of up to 82km.

The new 11 kW on-board charger shortens the boost time to under two-and-a-half hours.

New models have adaptive air suspension as standard and with new two-chamber, two-valve technology, it can separately adjust the rebound and compression stages of the suspension’s operation.

One of the new Skoda interiors

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and rear-axle steering are optional.

Both the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid SUV and Coupe versions have the distinctive front that is reserved for Turbo models.

They sport enlarged cooling air intakes with gloss black air-blades, twin tailpipes in brushed stainless steel and red brake callipers.

Standard equipment includes a heated GT sports steering wheel, a mode switch and 18-way adjustable leather sports seats.

The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid also gets a new cockpit with an all-digital instrument cluster.

The Coupe, with a GT Package, is even sportier with all chassis and control systems, including the air suspension, specifically tuned for the new model.

And there is a treat in store for buyers. They will be invited to drive the new car in a bespoke driving experience around the unique tracks at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

I’ve been there and it is a thrilling experience.

The Turbo E-Hybrid is the second of three hybrid models Porsche will introduce this year.

Meanwhile, Skoda is unveiling completely redesigned interiors for the latest Kodiaq and Superb vehicles ahead of their imminent world premieres.

There is a new digital cockpit, a head-up display and a 12.9in free-standing infotainment display.

With the DSG gear selector moved to the steering column, there’s more space for front passengers more space, while a centre console provides more storage.

The brand’s “Smart Dials” allow easier control with rotary push-buttons giving access to various functions.

The dials represent a new approach and consists of three rotary push-buttons just below the infotainment screen. Each has a 32mm digital display.

The two outer buttons control the cabin temperature and seat heating/ventilation while the centre dial controls different functions, including the infotainment volume, fan speed, air direction, air con, driving modes and map zoom.

New additions include the Phone Box with fast inductive smartphone charging capabilities of up to 15W. This extends to two phones in the Kodiaq. There are as many as four USB-C ports.

Optional on the Kodiaq are ergo seats with a pneumatic massage function.

There are improved optional massage seats on the Superb with 10 pneumatically controlled massage cushions.

As part of its eco-friendly drive, the upholstery is made from 100pc recycled polyester.

Of course a Skoda wouldn’t be complete without the umbrella in the driver’s door and the ice scraper.

But the traditional equipment lines have been replaced by the Design Selections concept.

Kodiaq buyers can opt for Loft, Lounge, or ecoSuite in Black or Cognac.

In the fourth-generation Superb, the Essence trim includes the Design Selection Studio, with choices for the Selection level encompassing Loft and Lounge.

You would think that with visual alerts and physical barriers, people would never put diesel in a tank of petrol – or vice versa, but you’d be wrong – seriously wrong.

If it happens to you, it will set you back €250, if not a lot more should there be damage to the engine.

Some rescue companies are on call 24/7, such is the demand for their services.

According to one rescue operator I spoke with at the scene of a call-out, it is a common enough plight for many motorists.

His company has three vans on the road and is constantly busy.

A young driver I know stopped to get petrol, but couldn’t manage to do so for some reason.

Help was at hand, and they managed to pump in nearly half a tank of petrol, whether the car liked it or not.

The only thing is, it was a diesel car. The rescue man wasn’t surprised.

“It happens all the time. They find a way to fuel incorrectly,” he said.

So think before you pump next time. It could be a very costly fill-up.

MG is getting back to sports car production with the new electric Cyberster.

The little two-seater, which will be officially unveiled at next month’s Munich Motor Show (IAA Mobility 2023), is a blend of the past with a present-day electric powertrain set-up.

It will also coincide with the start of the brand’s centenary year (2024).

Now owned by a Chinese company, the brand has been revitalised, with several electric vehicles on sale or planned. The latest addition to the range, the high-performance MG4 Electric XPOWER, will also be on show in Munich.

The maker claims it is the most powerful MG production car to date (435PS), with its dual-motor powertrain and all-wheel drive.

Making up the trio of debuts at Munich will be the Marvel R Electric Performance SUV, which has no fewer than three motors and all-wheel drive.